[IanC]

I have a couple of wiring questions regarding a 125 I just picked up a couple of weeks ago. When I got it, it wouldn't start with the key. I could jump across the "magnetic switch" and it would run.
First, is this "magnetic switch" a basic solenoid? I tested the key switch and it turned out good. So, I went and bought a generic Ford style solenoid that has both the "s" and "i" terminals on it. I wired it in like the old one with the wire to the s/g on the "s" terminal. Still no start with the key. On the wiring diagram, this wire is wire #8. Next I tried it on the "i" terminal, still nothing.
I ended up clamping the #8 wire to one of the big posts on the solenoid and what do you know--it started with the key. With it running, I noticed the ammeter gauge was all over the place. Could I mess something up with it wired this way? Do I need a Cub specific "magnetic switch?"
I'm using the diagram from the manuals found here. Also, the safety switch was disabled before I got the tractor.
Ian